Performing and Precluding Respectability: Class, Masculinities and the Idea of the Father in Dominica

May 23 2018 | 17:30

Dr. Adom Heron (Goldsmiths) - This presentation offers an ethnographic examination of the redemptive life-project of a felon-turned-father and Dominican fieldwork friend, Scratchie Dan. This subject-centred study asks what Scratchie's complicated reorientation from 'badman' to 'family man' might reveal about Caribbean understandings of masculinity, respectability and the idea of the father. Analysing an encounter in which Scratchie's pursuit of moral redemption and respectability is rebuffed by a government minister, I contend that the Caribbean concept of the 'family man' functions as a marker of middle class male distinction, conceals the familial contributions of lower class men, and thus exaggerates popular ideas about 'wotless' lower class fathers.

Dr. Adom Heron is a lecturer in Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths University, London. His PhD research (2017, Anthropology, St Andrews) followed the kinship lives of men - as fathers, grandfathers, lovers and step-fathers in Dominica, Eastern Caribbean. He curates a blog on this theme - http://fathermen.blogspot.com.

Post-doctorally Dr. Heron is embarking on a project that explores Caribbean inter-generational responses to hurricanes in the age of anthropogenic climate change. 

Attendance to this event is free but registration is required. IMPORTANT NOTE ON ACCESS TO 51 GORDON SQUARE: in order to ensure a smooth delivery of the lecture and for ease of logistics, access to the building may be restricted after the start of the event. We will endeavour to accommodate late arrivals within reason, but an early arrival is recommended to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.